PETALING JAYA: No one can blame Perak for feeling optimistic after collecting two good wins. And they are even dreaming of doing a David-Goliath act over runaway Super League leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
They face giants JDT at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri and pundits are already saying that they will be mauled by the Southern Tigers.
And based on form, JDT led by Argentinian coach Esteban Solari, have been swashbuckling, breaking every record in the country, and they could be on their way to their 20th consecutive win.
In their last match, JDT beat Sabah 5-1. In 19 matches, they have scored 74 goals, conceded just four and collected 57 points.
If they beat Perak, JDT just need one more win to take their 10th consecutive Super League title.
Perak coach Yusri Che Lah said he will be realistic about their chances against JDT but he’s not giving up the fight.
He wants Perak to replicate the form that earned them identical 3-1 wins over Kedah (Malaysia Cup round of 16 first-leg) and Penang (Super League match).
“We are playing JDT. We have to be realistic. We had a short time to prepare for the game. I hope they use the chances that come their way,” said Yusri.
“No team have beaten them but I am am not raising the white flag. I just hope the boys will try their best.”
Perak are 11th in the league, notching 16 points from 19 matches. They are now eight points away from the relegation zone, which is a good sign but Yusri hopes to see a wider gap.
“I know we can do better. We know the boys want to win all the time. We want to avoid relegation and all of them have worked hard towards this goal.”
“We have seven more games. Two in Ipoh, and five more away matches. I’ve to look at players’ recovery and injuries and suspension. But I need the boys to continue the current momentum.”
